Removable Drivetrain Access Panel With Integrated Passenger Footrest

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional power take-off module installations in vehicles require access from the underside, leading to cumbersome service processes, reduced passenger footrest space, and limited compatibility with different module sizes, necessitating improved access and comfort during installation and use.

Innovation Solution

A removable panel with a planar section and angled sides that doubles as a footrest, providing access to the drivetrain from the top side of the vehicle, accommodating various module sizes, and maintaining passenger comfort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If power take-off modules are installed from the underside of the vehicle, then access to the drivetrain component is achieved, but the service process becomes cumbersome and requires additional service costs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to drivetrain componentVSAvoidservice process

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional installation approach by providing access to the drivetrain component from the top side of the vehicle through a removable panel in the floor, rather than requiring access from the underside. This allows service operators to install and service power take-off modules from the passenger cabin area, eliminating the need to climb under the vehicle or use hoists.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Ease of operation

If the floor panel is formed to accommodate power take-off module installations, then access to the drivetrain component is provided, but passenger footrest space is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to drivetrain componentVSAvoidpassenger footrest space

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The floor panel is segmented into a removable section that can be taken out to access the drivetrain component, while the remaining portion maintains the footrest space for passengers. The removable panel is configured to mate with an aperture in the floor, allowing the footrest area to be restored when the panel is in place.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The removable panel is extracted from the floor panel to provide access to the drivetrain component during installation and servicing. When not in use, the panel is removed and stored elsewhere, allowing the aperture to be covered and the footrest space to be maintained for passenger comfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional floor panel configurations are used, then power take-off module installation is accommodated, but the configurations are limited in size and can only accommodate a small range of module sizes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodule size accommodationVSAvoidfloor panel configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The removable panel and aperture configuration is designed to accommodate power take-off modules of various sizes and designs. The aperture dimensions and panel configuration allow different modules to be installed in the same location, providing versatility without requiring multiple specialized floor panel designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12576919B2Combined drivetrain access panel and footrest

Publication Date: 2026.03.17 FCA US LLC

AI summary

A vehicle including a vehicle cabin floor having an aperture formed therein for providing access to a vehicle drivetrain component located beneath the vehicle cabin floor. The aperture is covered by a removable panel. The removable panel, in addition to providing access to the vehicle drivetrain component, also includes a planar section that may serve as a footrest of a passenger located in the vehicle.